Reddit Users Slam OpenAI’s ChatGPT 5.2 as Boring and Overly Safe

ChatGPT app on an iPhone

OpenAI’s Bold Claim

OpenAI announced that ChatGPT 5.2 is “the smartest generally‑available model in the world.” The company emphasizes the model’s ability to handle real‑world knowledge work tasks and positions it as a competitive response to rival AI offerings.

Reddit’s Immediate Reaction

Within hours of the rollout, a thread on the ChatGPT subreddit titled “so, how we feelin about 5.2?” gathered a chorus of criticism from long‑time users. Commenters described the new version as “too corporate, too ‘safe'” and called it “a step backwards from 5.1.” The prevailing sentiment was that the model feels “boring,” “robotic,” and lacking the engaging personality of earlier releases.

Key User Complaints

• Many users said the responses feel overly cautious, likening the tone to a corporate bot.
• Several remarks highlighted a loss of spark and creativity, with one user writing that the model is “ambivalent about engagement.”
• Critics also noted that the upgrade appears to repeat the shortcomings of prior versions while adding new flaws.

OpenAI’s Perspective vs. User Experience

OpenAI’s marketing stresses that 5.2 improves on every metric compared with its predecessor. However, the early vocal backlash suggests a gap between the company’s narrative and the lived experience of some power users. The source acknowledges that the model has been available for less than a day, and that many of its 800 million weekly users may still be forming opinions.

Looking Ahead

The source points out that it will take weeks to gauge whether the negative feedback represents a broader user base or a vocal minority. OpenAI’s track record of adjusting features in response to community input could shape the model’s future perception.